1938-1992 Phantom World Series Press Pin Collection (35)

Extraordinary world-class collection of "Phantom" World Series press pins, by far the finest and largest collection of these pins we have ever seen, including many of the rarest early examples, such as the 1938 Pirates. “Phantom” World Series press pins are those pins ordered by teams but never issued due to the fact that the respective team failed to win the pennant. Once produced, at least a few are usually distributed to executives as keepsakes. Press pin manufacturers normally need at least thirty days' notice to design and produce World Series press pins. Unfortunately, that is often long before the pennant races have been decided. Therefore, a number of optimistic teams in the past had no choice but to order World Series press pins that were then never used. Starting in 1969, some teams began to address the problem by ordering pins without the year incorporated into the design. That way, if they failed to win the pennant, the pins could be put in storage until needed. Today, phantom World Series press pins are highly collectible and a fascinating compliment to an advanced World Series press pin collection. Many advanced press pin collectors do not consider their collections complete unless they include all of the known phantoms as well. Offered here is an extremely substantial collection of thirty-five phantom World Series pins commemorating “what might have been.” The collection is comprised of the following: 1938 Pirates (earliest known phantom), 1944 Tigers, 1946 Dodgers (missing the threaded-post fastener on back), 1948 Red Sox, 1951 Dodgers, 1951 Indians, 1952 Giants, 1955 White Sox, 1955 Indians, 1956 Braves, 1959 Giants, 1959 Braves, 1960 White Sox, 1964 Reds, 1964 White Sox, 1965 Giants, 1966 Pirates, 1967 White Sox, 1970 Angels, 1970 Cubs (Ex-Mt), 1971 Giants, 1974 Rangers, 1975 A’s, 1977 Red Sox, 1978 Reds, 1981 Cubs, 1981 A’s, 1983 Pirates, 1983 White Sox, 1984 Cubs, 1986 Astros, 1987 Tigers, 1988 Boston, 1990 Pirates, and 1992 A’s. This impressive collection was part of a larger very advanced press pin collection, which has been broken up and is offered in numerous lots in this auction, and which was assembled over a period of many years by an extremely condition-conscious longtime collector. This collection is in outstanding high-grade condition. Unless otherwise noted, all of the pins are complete as issued and in Near Mint to Mint condition. We have seen many different prices for these phantoms, some extremely high, particularly among the early rarities. This makes providing a meaningful estimate particularly difficult. We are confident the market will determine the proper level for this substantial collection. Total: 35 pins. Reserve $1,000. Estimate (open).SOLD FOR $6,462.50

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